AAMI Australian Insurance
“For many homes – particularly those in the colder, southern states – winter is the season when fires are most likely to occur, possibly because the use of heating appliances is much more widespread,”
AAMI claims data shows more claims for fire-related damage are lodged in the winter months of June-August, followed by the summer bush fire season. This and other home fire-related information is contained in the 2008 AAMI Firescreen Index, released today. “Despite the fact that one-fifth of Australians (22 per cent) have experienced a fire in the home, only one-third of Australians (34 per cent) are confident they have enough equipment to deal with a home fire,” Mr Hughes said.
“Just 34 per cent of homes have a fire extinguisher, and fewer still have a fire blanket (22 per cent). However, it is pleasing that almost all residents who have these fire-fighting measures know how to use them (90 per cent for extinguishers and 95 per cent for fire blankets).” Legislation making smoke detectors compulsory has clearly had the intended effect, with 95 per cent of residential homes fitted with at least one smoke detector.
What’s cooking?
Cooking is the main cause of fire in the home, with over four in 10 home fires (43 per cent) starting because of a cooking-related incident. This is followed by faulty electrical fittings or appliances, which are responsible for 17 per cent of fires in the home. “This underscores the need for all Australians to check the safety of seasonal appliances such as heaters that may not have been used since last winter,” Mr Hughes said.
“Almost one-third of Australians (29 per cent) say they do not check the safety of their heating appliances at the beginning of winter. Equipment that has been in storage over the spring and summer months should be thoroughly cleaned and tested before being used.”
Mr Hughes said it was also concerning that many Australians choose to leave electrical appliances running while the home was unattended.
“Half of all Australians (50 per cent) admit to leaving their washing machines running while unattended, followed by their television (30 per cent), air-conditioner (28 per cent) and dishwasher (27 per cent),” he said. “Almost one in five Australians (17 per cent) will even leave their clothes dryer running while unattended, which is particularly dangerous.”
1 The 2008 AAMI Firescreen Index is based on a telephone and internet survey of 2503 Australians, independently conducted by Sweeney
Research in every Australian state and territory.
Household heroes
Of those Australians who have experienced a fire in the home, many have gone to considerable lengths to save loved ones, treasured photos and important documents. “Not surprisingly, when their house was in flames, the things people looked to save were family members and household pets, with 63 per cent saying they had saved a family member from a fire, while 45 per cent had saved a pet,” Mr Hughes said.
“Important documents were also a priority for Australians, with more than half (51 per cent) saving these from fire, along with treasured photographs (48 per cent) and jewellery (36 per cent). “As valiant as these efforts are, victims of home fire would be well-advised to leave rescue efforts to trained professionals where this is possible,” he said.
Ten Top Fire Safety Tips
1. Have an adequate number of suitable smoke alarms installed throughout your home and make sure that you test them regularly.
2. Develop a home escape plan and rehearse it with all the members of the household.
3. If you have a fireplace, always place a screen in front of it when in use, and keep the chimney clean.
4. Check electric blankets for damage or frayed cords before placing them on the bed. To test an electric blanket, lay it flat on top of the bed, then switch it on for five minutes to confirm it is OK, before affixing it to the bed.
5. Take care to keep curtains, tablecloths and bedding away from portable heaters.
6. Keep wet clothing at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces.
7. If you use a clothes dryer, ensure you clean the lint filter each time you use it.
8. Use candles and open flames with care and extinguish them before going to bed or upon leaving the home.
9. Store matches and lighters in a secure place not accessible to young children.
10. Use only authorised installers of fixed heating appliances. Oil, gas or wood heating units may require a yearly maintenance check.
Editor’s Note:
The full 2008 AAMI Firescreen Index is available at http://www.aami.com.au To arrange a media interview, contact:
Geoff Hughes, AAMI Public Affairs Manager, ph 03 8520 1469 or 0413 483 591
Brian O’Neil, Public Relations Exchange, ph 03 9607 4500 or 0411 055 284
